Early one September morning in 2012, a speeding black Ferrari ran over and killed a motorcycle policeman in central Bangkok and fled the scene. While the cops were quick to identify the alleged culprit by following a trail of brake fluid to his home, nearly five years on--unbelievably--he has yet to be brought to book.

The driver was allegedly Vorayuth Yoovidhya, whose late grandfather Chaleo Yoovidhya cofounded the global energy-drink maker Red Bull. The family, led by Vorayuth's father, Chalerm, is Thailand's fourth richest, with a $12.5 billion fortune. Ignoring multiple police and court summonses, Vorayuth, whose nickname is Boss, is on the lam at an unknown overseas location.

The high-profile case, which has incited public anger over the blatant impunity enjoyed by the rich, returned to the headlines recently as some of the charges Vorayuth could face--for speeding and reckless driving causing property damage--lapsed owing to the statute of limitations, though he still faces charges of reckless driving causing death and failing to help the victim. Last month, days before he was to appear in court, Vorayuth reportedly flew to Singapore, from where he fled.

His disappearance prompted prosecutors to take urgent actions. A warrant for the scion's arrest was finally issued and his passport revoked by the Foreign Ministry. The government said it was seeking Interpol's help for Vorayuth's extradition. Despite these moves, the general perception is that the law will never catch up with the fugitive heir.

Police in Bangkok examine a Ferrari driven by Vorayuth Yoovidhya, a grandson of late Red Bull founder Chaleo Yoovidhya, and a motorcycle, both involved in an accident, in September 2012. Vorayuth is accused of killing a Thai police officer in a hit-and-run in 2012, yet he still has not appeared to face charges. (Thai Daily News via AP)

Indeed, in the aftermath of the accident, Vorayuth didn't seem racked with remorse. He continued to live the high life and, as reported by AP, posted photos on social media from glamorous foreign locales as he hit the ski slopes and racing tracks, among much else. (The family did not respond to a request for comment.)

A recent editorial in the Bangkok Post, titled "Raging Red Bull Runs Rings Round Lame Ducks," slammed the foot-dragging by the police and prosecutors. Niti Pawakapan, a professor of sociology and anthropology at Chulalongkorn University, doubts Vorayuth will suffer any consequences.

The case has drawn attention to another lister: deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who faces corruption charges and has been living in self-imposed exile in Dubai for a decade. Thaksin, who has denied wrongdoing, appears at No. 11 with $1.7 billion.